Leader rating

Synopsis

In a not-too-distant dystopian future, an outbreak of ‘dog flu’ has caused havoc in Japan, leading to all dogs being quarantined on a deserted island full of rubbish, citing fears of the effect on the human population. When 12 year-old Atari’s dog goes missing, he secretly travels there to try and locate his beloved companion, enlisting the help of a motley crew of misfit mongrels who have already been consigned there in the process. Their adventures lead to the exposure of a vast government conspiracy back in the city of Megasaki. This lovingly created stop-motion animation from Wes Anderson is full of the director’s trademark humour and warmth, taking particular inspiration from aspects of Japanese culture and their cinematic history.

What our educators say

"It really is a chance for us to open children's minds to the power of film not just as a vehicle for entertainment but also as a way in to understanding their own world and the worlds of people whose lives are very different."